If you’ve been in the market for a hypoallergenic dog, then you may have come across the Yorkshire Terrier. However, many people are skeptical of this breed being truly hypoallergenic because it sheds and has an oily coat which can cause allergies to flare up.
Let’s discuss in detail why Yorkies are hypoallergenic while being truly affectionate, having vibrant personalities, highly portable, super adaptable, and good with kids as well as other pets.
Yorkies weigh between four and seven pounds are often seen in the arms of their owners or pint-sized dog bags.
While their physical features and loveable personalities are undoubtedly why many people opt to adopt them, they also have a distinct segment apart from other small ones.
In the United States, 30% of people are allergic to household pets, but that does not mean those people have to miss the joy of owning a four-legged friend.
A hypoallergenic dog like Yorkie is a solution to this problem.
Dust, dander, & dead hair are three significant factors contributing to allergies; more about these signs and Yorkies.
The Basics of Dog Allergies
To understand why Yorkies are hypoallergenic, let’s have a quick recap of what causes allergies.
Allergies in Dander and Hair
There are different types of allergies. One type is when an individual exhibits a reaction to a protein in a dog’s body, specifically in its dander. When this happens, it also means that the person is allergic to household pets.
Even just a few dead hairs on your suit or carpet can cause an allergic reaction to people with this condition.
Dander naturally builds up on your pet’s skin and also falls off of their fur during shedding. However, some dogs are bigger shedders than others, which is why it gets worse for allergic ones.
Allergies in Yorkies Saliva & Feces
Another type of dog allergy is being allergic to your pet’s saliva and feces.
Some people are just sensitive to the proteins found in these bodily secretions, even if their hair isn’t causing them any allergies.
For others, however, it can be a sign that their immune system has become too weak that even the smallest amount of dog saliva or feces is enough to trigger anaphylactic shock.
Foreign Invaders
Dogs also bring foreign elements while hiding them in their fur. Which sometimes escalate the existing allergies in an individual or cause further problems which result in allergies.
Yorkies are considered one of the top breeds with hypoallergenic properties. Since they do not cause allergies in most people, taking them as pets goes a long way for sensitive or allergic to pet hair and dander.
Why Are Yorkies Considered Hypoallergenic?
Here are the things which make them perfect companions for people with pet allergies.
Hair
A Yorkie’s coat is not just delicate and silky but also short. In addition, since the hair of the Yorkies does not lie flat against their skin, it is less likely to hold on to any dead skin cells, which leads to dander. They are thus considered by many as ideal pets for people with allergies.
In addition, Yorkies do not shed much. Since they have fine hair, when they shed, it gets blown away with the slightest breeze and will not be able to get trapped in your carpet or upholstery.
A Yorkie’s coat is so easy to groom and keep clean that even allergic people can pet them without triggering an allergic reaction.
Dander
Dander is dead skin cells that are shed by your pet. It will stick to anything in the house, but most especially to delicate items that your dog loves laying on or even playing with.
The coats of Yorkies do not hold dander like most dogs; thus, they do not trigger allergic reactions among people with pet allergies.
It also does not have an undercoat, so they are not prone to shedding hair.
These properties make Yorkies one of the best pets for people with allergies.
Size
Many people think that Yorkies are big dogs, but they are very small.
They weigh an average of 4 pounds to 7 pounds and stand 8 inches to 11 inches tall. They also do not shed much since their hair is short, so even those with allergies can pet them without any reaction.
Due to their smaller size, there are fewer hairs to fall, less dander, and no saliva fall on the floor. This all contributes to make them hypoallergenic dogs.
Yorkies are Non-Droolers
One of the reasons why many people are fond of Yorkies is that they don’t drool. Some breeds are known to be big droolers, but Yorkies aren’t one of them.
This means that you won’t have to worry about leaving your Yorkie home alone for a day while you are at work. No drool on the floor, no wipe-down afterward, just pure furry cuteness in a bit of package.
Yorkie Hair Growth Cycle
How long does it take for a Yorkie to grow a full coat?
A healthy Yorkie’s coat grows approximately 0.25–0.5 inches each month on average, although this varies depending on the dog. It will take 8 to 12 months to reach full length.
Excessive Shedding in Yorkies
Shedding increases during a Yorkie’s seasonal coat growth, but it will begin to slow down after 6 months. Shedding is considered excessive if the dog drops hair constantly and excessively throughout the year.
A healthy Yorkie will shed approximately one-third of its entire coat each year, which is normal and not a cause for concern as long as there are no bald patches or skin problems.
But it will begin to slow down after 6 months. Shedding can be reduced by bathing your dog regularly, brushing its coat daily, and ensuring that it receives the proper nutrition.
Fleas & other parasites
Even though Yorkies do not shed, they are still susceptible to fleas and other parasites. In addition, since their coat is easy to groom, you must brush your dog regularly to remove all loose hair.
If you do not groom your dog correctly, the parasites and fleas can frown to more enormous colonies. That will become a more significant threat for people having allergies.
What Cam Make a Yorkie Completely Hypoallergenic?
Yorkies are ideal pets for those prone to allergies. Here are things to make them completely hypoallergenic:
- Groom Regularly
- House Train your Yorkie
- Maintain Good Hygiene
- Mark your territory
- Clean Your Home Regularly
- Keep your Yorkie in a puppy cut
- Maintain a weekly bathing schedule
- Keep the outdoors… outdoors
- Get an air purifier
It is unnecessary to follow all of these, access your dog, point out the cause of allergies, and then choose the solution accordingly.
How to find out if you’re allergic to Yorkies?
It is estimated that up to 30% of the population is allergic to dogs. Therefore, if you have never had a dog before, it is best to become friends with one first to know whether or not you are allergic.
Take this advice from someone who has lived with allergies all his life; if it doesn’t itch, don’t scratch it.
This is not a foolproof method but will help you make an informed choice regarding your pet’s lifestyle.
The good news is that Yorkies are reported to be one of the best dogs for people with allergies; they are small, shed very little, and are easy to groom even when it comes to their sensitive areas.
If you notice these signs when company a dog, that means you are allergic to dogs.
- Common signs that you’re allergic to your dog
- Sneezing and a runny or stuffy nose
- Nasal congestion, including facial pain or earache
- Postnasal drip and an itchy throat
- Wheezing, coughing, or trouble breathing
- Rashes, hives, or eczema where skin comes in contact with dog saliva
- Foggy or watery eyes
- Nausea or digestive problems
How to minimize allergic reactions to Yorkies?
There are a few ways to minimize your allergic reactions. But you have to remember that Yorkies don’t shed much, but if the hair somehow gets inside the nasal cavity, it will create a problem for sure, so try to remove their hair from time to time.
You can live with a Yorkie — even if you have allergies
As long as you make a few lifestyle changes and understand that your Yorkie will never be a hypoallergenic dog. There is no such breed of dogs that will not cause allergies to people around them, but they can still be found friendlier than others.
Do not over bathe them, though often, because the natural oils help prevent many things, including allergies. Instead, clean them only when necessary and then brush them properly before bathing to don’t have to shed their hair.
You must have a good vacuum cleaner and an air purifier to help with dander, hair, and saliva.